simpson retro
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th september
Harworth, Nottinghamshire, DN11 8JN
A packed weekend of activities
Celebrate the life and legacy of cycling legend Tom Simpson at the annual Simpson Retro, held in the town where he grew up, Harworth, Nottinghamshire.
This unique event combines history, nostalgia, and competitive spirit, offering cycling enthusiasts a memorable weekend.
From 12th to 14th September 2025, part of the wider Tom Simpson Cycling Festival, enjoy engaging talks, vibrant social events, and the ever-popular retro bike ride along the same roads Tom Simpson once trained on.
For the ride, to keep its authenticity, we ask that all bikes ridden are from or in the style of those manufactured before 1995.
Friday 12th
Join us from 6pm for a special live edition of the Cycling Legends Podcast - hear untold stories and personal reflections in an unforgettable conversation with Joanne Simpson, daughter of Tom Simpson. Hosted by Chris Sidwells and Gary Fairley, this one-off event offers a unique, intimate insight into the man behind the legend. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience for this exclusive festival highlight.
Following the podcast sit down for a three course meal and social evening. You'll be joined by Chris, Gary, Joanne, and perhaps another special guest or two.
Full weekend and Friday tickets give you access to these events.
Saturday 13th
9am - All-day Cycling Market - retro bikes, accessories, clothing, books, food and drink vendors and more.
10am - Tribute Ride - a short, organised experience visiting locations connected to Tom - his memorial, grave, museum and more.
12pm - Retro Display - including bikes ridden by Fausto Coppi, Beryl Burton, Laurent Fignon, and Tom Simpson, plus team cars and other rare kit.
2pm - Talks & Films - Chris Sidwells interviews and brings together some legends of the sport, plus films on cycling's past. A full weekend or Saturday ticket is required for this event.
5pm - Grass Track Racing - friendly but competitive junior racing at the nearby Sports Pavilion.
7pm - Evening Social - Live music, hog roast and BBQ, drinks and good company - a true community festival.
Sunday 14th
8am - Registration & Market opens - collect your rider pack and enjoy the event village including market stalls, food, drink and music. Check out the amazing bikes on display.
10am - Retro ride start - explore some of the roads Tom Simpson used for his early training rides. Choose between the 64km (40 mile) Chemin de Simpson and the 80km (50 mile) La Grande Classique.
Enjoy the Feed Zone - in a new location for 2025, on the waterfront in West Stockwith, overlooking the river Trent, with complimentary local food and drink.
1.30pm - Best in Show Competition - Sponsored and Judged by Bill Barrowcliff. 2025 judging categories will be announced soon!
The Routes
There are two distances to choose from; the 64-kilometre middle-distance (Chemin de Simpson) and the 80-kilometre longer ride (La Grande Classique). They both explore the quiet lanes of North Nottinghamshire, with short dips into North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. The routes are mostly flat, with some rolling sections and one short steep(ish) climb early on. The two routes share most of the same roads, with the middle-distance only missing the northern section of the longer route. You can choose which route you ride on the day and see them below.
Included in Full-Weekend, and Sunday Tickets
What's included?
Exclusive Tom Simpson Cycling Festival Musette - filled with a race brochure full of historical stories, and goodies from our sponsors
A Feed Zone (Sunday ride) with complimentary food and drink
Event photography - images without watermark available for purchase after the event
Fully signed route, and free parking
Supports the Tom Simpson Memorial Fund and Simpson Nouvelles U23 Women’s Cycling Team
Entry to the Best in Show Competition
Secure your stand at our cycling market
The Simpson Retro Cycling Market will commence at 9am on Saturday 13th September. We have talks, films, a retro bike display and an organised short ride all based at the Town Hall on Saturday, as well as food and drink stands, so there will be lots of people throughout the day!
The ride on Sunday starts at 10am, with riders arriving from 8am, for more information and to purchase your spot click the link below.
Any questions please email us on team@cyclinglegends.co.uk
